Beauty Routine for Busybodies

When your life is constantly go-go-go, self-care can quickly fall to the wayside. As we’re pulled in too many directions, the priority of our health can start to fall down the necessity ladder. However, this is something that you should make every effort to avoid. Be a little selfish sometimes! One element of self-care that should be viewed as a non-negotiable is a skincare routine.

Our skin is the largest organ, and our faces are how we immediately present ourselves to the world. Don’t you think it deserves a little attention? Skimping on skincare can result in dryness, dull complexion, breakouts, and premature aging. While it may seem vain, when you look your best, you feel your best, and a little TLC for your skin can go a very long way.

You may already be thinking: yet another thing that requires my time? I’m already short! Stop right there with that thought! Skincare can be quick and easy, while still extremely effective. Here are the three steps to commit to, every single day.

1. Wash Your FaceNo, not with the bar soap you use on your body. A designated face wash to gently cleanse your visage, every single day when you wake up and again before you go to sleep. Bacteria and pollution have no business sitting on your skin, especially if you workout regularly and live in a large city.

2. MoisturizeWhile it is especially important in the winter, moisturizing all year round is key to slowing down the aging process. Depending on your skin type, you may want to do this twice a day directly after cleansing, or perhaps just at night if you veer towards oily and find yourself getting shiny during the day.

If your skin is especially irritated and dry, First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream will feel like a gift from a higher power. And even if your skin veers more towards oily and slick, a moisturizer is imperative to prevent dehydrated skin from producing even more oil. Just make sure to choose an oil-free, non-greasy formula like La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat.

3. ProtectWearing sunscreen every single day is non-negotiable and should be the last step in your routine. Yes, even during the winter months, or when it is cloudy, or when you think you’ll be inside all day. Damage can occur even from lower-doses of light like your computer screen or overhead lamps, and indirect sun exposure is an all too common occurrence.

To encourage yourself to apply it every day without fail, choose a completely invisible and easy to blend formula like Glossier Invisible Shield. Take note that if you like to moisturize in the morning, you can skip step two and choose a moisturizing formula such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen to protect and nourish your skin at the same time.

4. Bonus Points!Once you have an established routine and start reaping the benefits of skincare, you may find yourself encouraged to add some additional steps. If you’re looking to do even more for your visage after you get your feet wet, consider these add-ons:

Exfoliation is crucial for cell turnover and to keep your face smooth and vibrant. It is best to do this at night to avoid increasing sun sensitivity and can be done anywhere from once a week up to daily depending on your skin needs and personal preferences. Pixi Glow Tonic is a cult favorite, and with good reason.

To target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, redness, loss of elasticity, or congestion, consider adding a serum before your moisturizer as a targeted treatment. When layering skincare, follow the viscosity of your products – thinnest to thickest is a good rule of thumb. The Ordinary makes a variety of options to address any issue you can think of, and the price point can’t be beat.

Finally, an eye cream can make a visible difference (pun intended) rather quickly and can be used morning and night as often as you please. If you’re noticing more fine lines and wrinkles in that area, Olay ProRetinol Eye Treatment attacks crow’s feet without irritating the delicate area. Those of us who suffer from undereye bags and darkness, whether from lack of sleep or allergies, will appreciate 100% Pure Coffee Bean Caffeine Eye Cream – it’s like a shot of espresso for your eyes!

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About The Author

Casey Sharbaugh spends her days working in talent at a hedge fund in NYC; her mornings, nights, and weekends consist of obsessing over beauty products, working out, and drinking coffee. Her writing can be found on Beauty Banter, Barry’s Bootcamp The Intel, and Over The Moon.